Week 30...

Sunset over the sound in Avon, NC.

I recently went to the Outer Banks of North Carolina with my family. My brother and two sisters were there with their families. We had a wonderful time hanging out together at the pool and the beach. It didn't matter that there was some rain. It didn't matter that sneaky raccoons stole our Cornhole bean bags. It didn't matter that the back window of our Suburban blew out. Or that my debit card was compromised, (good luck hitting the jackpot on a card that belongs to a family in ministry, haha.) None of it mattered. All that did matter was I had my sweetheart, my babes, my siblings and my niece and nephews. It was so glorious and filling.

Every evening while preparing dinner, we would put on a Pandora radio station. Sure to follow was boisterous singing, dancing and laughing. One evening, "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" came on. I had forgotten that it was so melodic and fun. I made a mental note to cover if for 52. And, here it is! Let me know what you think. 

 Enjoy, 

 Christopher


     Recorded July 26-August 1, 2012.  One evening, while at the beach, "Oh What A Night" played on Pandora. My sister said, "I love some Franki Valli." I challenged her, because I thought it was Billy Joel. Turns out, I am a moron. I had no clue I was a moron until that point! Nice work, Sheila!

"Can't Take My Eyes Off You" written by Bob Crewe and Bob Gaudio. Originally performed by Franki Valli and the Four Seasons.

Week 25...

Honor Rose tryin' to look fat.

Growing up, I heard a lot about Elvis Presley. My mother has always been a big fan. I remember her telling me the story of where she was when the story broke that he'd passed away. She was in a supermarket. They announced the news over the intercom system. She and everyone else in the store were crying.

This past Friday was my mothers XXth birthday!! She's a super stubborn broad, I'd say, but I love the stuffing out of her. She loves her kids and all 19 grandchildren, (I am responsible for 26.315% of them.) I thought I'd honor the day she was born with the sweet tune, "Love Me Tender." Happy birthday! I love you, Roberta Lee!

Enjoy, 

Christopher

     Recorded June 16-18, 2012. Yesterday, while I was working on vocal ideas for the song, I had a thought. I called my older brother, Levi to see what he was up to. I made him drive over and sing the lower harmony part. I thought mom would like that. Don't worry, I paid him with a homemade gourmet lunch. 

     "Love Me Tender" written by Ken Darby.

Happy Friday...

Delilah and Samson beggin' for scraps.

So, just to clarify, all of the songs from 52 are available to download for free. There is a slight difference between my original songs and my cover songs. The cover songs say "Free Download," while my originals say "Buy Now - name your price." With the latter option, just enter $0.00 to download the original song* for free. If, by chance, you deem said song worthy of recompense, feel free to enter any amount up to $1000. When doing so, remember that I work in ministry**, I have five children***, two pound hounds****  and a bearded dragon.*****

So, to recap... All songs are free.****** And now, here's a little pick me up to end your work week;******* An old cover of Jonathan Edward's "Sunshine (Go Away Today.) I recorded this long before 52 was ever conceived. It's still kinda fun. 

Enjoy, 

Christopher

* You know, the song that's drenched in my blood, sweat and tears.

** Man, this little ol' church doesn't even have a steeple. I mean, c'mon!!

*** Who are quite somber looking and can really put some food away when given the chance.

**** Namely, Samson and Delilah. We rescued from the clutches of certain death from euthanasia.

***** Jeffrey didn't make it because not enough people supported the music.

****** Unless you actually have a heart. Hah, I'm just being playful, y'all. 
******* Stick it to the Man.

Week 15 & 16...

The week of Easter definitely put a screw into the gears for me. With all the stuff going on with family, church and losing my voice completely, I am playing a little bit of catch up! My plan didn't really change though.

Honor Rose making sure I don't read my book.

This month, my twin daughters turned one! The year has definitely flown by. Every day I fall more madly and deeply in love with these little ladies. Their personalities are shining through. So are their teeth! Honor Rose's came in first; and with such a gap, that I've been calling her "Strahan." Isaiah Jane only had one for about a month, so I called her "hillbilly." We don't sugar coat it over here.

I love my boys, but there is something that changed in the heart of this daddy when those little girls came into the picture. It swells and stirs in my chest, uncontrollably. It escapes my body in the form of tears and sighs; both, filled with joy. It's fierce and protective. Look out future prom dates. Their brothers and I will be waiting up with the lights on.

Isaiah Jane snuggling at a doctor's appointment.

I decided, in honor of my Honor Rose and Isaiah Jane, I would record some lullabies. The first is actually one I wrote for their brother, Ames Emmanuel. It is called "Goodnight, Sweetheart." It is fun and cheesy, I know. Don't hold it against me. Dad's are cheesy, right? From there, I recorded two for the girls. If I have a wild hair, you might hear a couple more this week. We'll see.

Enjoy,

Christopher

     Recorded April 15-19. Sorry about the lateness of it all. Also, this week takes us past a whole hour of free music! I hope you are into it.

Lyrics

Goodnight sweetheart
It's time for sleep
It seems your day
It is complete
You sang some songs
And cried some tears
We made memories
For your years

Goodnight my dear
It's time to dream
Lay down the day
In reverie
'Cause In the morn
There'll be much to do
But if you want
I'll play with you

Because it's heaven when you smile
I'm proud to say that you're my child
From the first time I saw those eyes
I have loved you

Goodnight my love
It's time for bed
So bring that pillow
To your head
I'll turn down the lights
And sing a tune
While you gaze
Up at the moon

My sweetest one
Let's say our prayers
With our God
Our fears we share
Let's think on all
We're thankful for
And all the people
You adore

'Cause you are bigger than you think
He's always listening when you speak
And even when you're feeling weak
He is holding you

My little lamb
It's time to sleep
But don't you worry
Don't you weep
For when tomorrow
Starts anew
I promise I
Will still love you
I'll still love you

The day is all but done
Still the lights are aglow and warm
I keep them on to see your face
Because you are my love

The night is black and cold
But you're always here to hold
I blanket you with songs and prayers
Because you are my love

A life is never long enough
To share all that's inside
But the song of heaven ever rings
It's where our spirits hide

These memories start to fade
But I'm saving all I can
In my heart, there is room enough
Because you are my love


The day that you were born
I could have weathered any storm
For I had never been
As strong as I was then
A flicker into a flame
A life behind a name
This babe, so wonderful
That came and made us whole

The love, the light
The beauty of all that is sacred began
With the touch of your hand
My love, my life was changed from darkness
To ravishing light, the day you were born

Your eyes, deep as the sea
Your breath, it's calming breeze
And pulled by gravity
Your hands, they reach for me

When your heart is broken
And your colors start to fade
I'll pour my love upon you
And wash the hurt away
To me, my child, you've been given
With you, I vow to stay
This lovely tale will have no end
In the light of Heaven's grace
You're my miracle

My love, would you take the time and walk with me today
My hand wants to fill with yours and sway until it's late
Who cares if we're left beyond the wall of daylight's gate
My dear, let the darkness fall and walk with me

Beside the beds where radiant roses bloom
'Neath the rusty light of the rising crimson moon
And all the while the quiet sings a tune
My love, take walk with me tonight

My love, would you take the time and walk with me alone
Who cares, if the clouds roll in and chill us to the bone
My arms they are oh so warm and yours to own

We'll trace the lines of lonely shooting stars
And all the while our frames will never part
I'll tell you just how beautiful you are
My love, take a walk with me tonight

credits

Week 12...

So, I fell in love with this girl, right? She is funny and smart. She is beautiful and kind. She has her stuff together. Honestly, she is very much out of my league. She went to private school, you know. The world was her oyster but she decided she wanted this clam of a man. Namely, me. I don't deserve her, I'll admit it. Did I mention that she has a father? Oh, man.

Three months after Rachael and I started dating, she went on a mission trip with YWAM. She was gone for five months. I was miserable. But through that time apart, I realized how much she meant to me. I knew if we could date for three months then be apart for five and still be into it... It must be something special. We sent letters and emails. We would talk on the phone when we could. And guess who payed her phone bill. Have I mentioned her father yet?

Mr. Brown and Rachael circa 1986

Needless to say, Mr. Brown was not so enthused at the idea of his little princess falling for a man who had been married and divorced. A man with two kids and a decade more of life experience. The situation was definitely not the norm. But there was something about this girl that I couldn't get over. 

He called me one afternoon, (surely after receiving his phone bill.) He wanted to meet me for a chat. We arranged a time and place. I had a feeling that we might hit it off. Rachael had mentioned that he was a musician. I went into it like a job interview. A job that I wanted - no, needed, very badly. I made sure I had good posture and dressed well. We sat down at a table in the food court at Southpark Mall. He sat back in his chair, crossed his legs with his hands on his knees and listened to my story. Every now and then, he would come back to the table to write a note on his legal pad. I thought, "oh, he's just taking notes so he can remember things." I felt like it was going pretty well. Nearing the end of the conversation, he dropped the bomb on me. He told me that he no longer wanted me to see his daughter. It took the wind right out of my sails. I remember feeling embarrassed. I could feel the blood run to my cheeks.

Just at this moment, over Mr. Brown's left shoulder, I saw a familiar face. My bassist, Jason, from One Amazin' Kid was standing there, making a ridiculous face. He thought I was in a business meeting and was trying to mess with me. Jason is one of the most hilarious people I know, but I didn't seem to have any problem keeping a straight face and focusing on the situation at a hand. He then realized, by the look on my face, that he shouldn't be messing around. The atmosphere was heavy. It was funny to talk about later, but not in the moment. 

I surprisingly mustered up enough courage to rebut his statement. See, I knew something that he didn't. I knew that Rachael was in love with me. I knew the chemistry and connection that bound us together, even before we started dating. I knew that this woman would change my life; and I, hers. I knew. So, I said, "I mean you no disrespect at all, but that is a decision that Rachael will have to make."  

An engagement, a wedding, a boy, a house, twin girls and seven years have passed since then. I have learned and grown quite a bit. A good chunk of that is because of my father-in-law, Gary Brown. He is a great and generous man. He is a wonderful teacher. He recently sent me a text message in which he called me, "son." I don't know if he knows how much that meant to me. If he reads this, he will. Oh, the old days aren't completely forgotten. The family still likes to joke about Scary Gary and the alleged "bullet with my name on it." I wonder whatever happened to it?

I've been talking to my brother-in-law, Tyler, (singer/songwriter in his own right,) about doing a piece for 52. I thought it would be a perfect opportunity to surprise Mr. Brown with a song. We decided to do something from the Beatles, since they are one of Mr. Brown's favorite bands. Everything came together nicely. But we realized it needed a bassline. Even though we wanted to surprise Mr. Brown with the song, we thought it would be even better if he played on it. He came the next day, ready to record. It was perfect. I even managed to get his little princess to record some background vocals. So, here it is...

Enjoy, 

Christopher

     Recorded, March 15-19, 2012. Lead guitar, claps and background vocals by Tyler Brown. Background vocals by Rachael Brown Kincaid. Bass guitar by Gary Brown. I played guitar, claps, tambourine and those sweet Hammond licks. I had a blast doing this one. Thank you guys for giving your time and talents. I hope the hot tea and spaghetti was payment enough. 
     Update - At this time, I have yet to hear anything from Sir Paul McCartney. If you talk to him any time soon, let me know what he thinks about the song. 

     "I'm Looking Through You" written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney.

My Lion, My Prince...

My first-born is twelve years old today. Where has the time gone? I recall the day this picture was taken. It was a warm, sunny day. I was sitting on my patio while he played in the back yard. He had taken off his shoes and put on mine. He was sitting on a bucket, using a plastic shovel to dig in the dirt. The smudges on his face and those sweaty curls just begged for a snapshot.

Nowadays, he'd rather be playing with his iPhone or his skateboard. He is getting pretty good at running receiving routes. He's handsome and tender-hearted. He loves his little brothers and sisters, so well. He will be an amazing father. I take pride in that. I'm really hard on him, I know. But he is growing into a fine specimen. He is becoming his own person. I just cannot believe how far he has come; how big he is getting.

One night, when he was six, he was having trouble sleeping. I came into his room and talked to him. I told him that if he was scared, he could pray about it. I said he could ask Jesus to take away the things that he was afraid of. The next night, I stood at his door, to make sure he was sleeping. I could hear his little voice saying, "Please, Jesus. Please, Jesus." It continued and got more and more panicked. I entered the room and calmed him. I held and prayed over him. I'll never forget it.

The episode inspired my song, "Sacred Heart." It is a lullaby for my Lucas Grey. You can download the acoustic version for free! My favorite part of the song is the bridge. The lyrics are, "It's time to close your eyes and lay your head down. Precious child, we'll get through this. The terrible world sways at your movement. You can walk through it alone and unafraid. My lion, my prince... There's no comparison. So, don't you shed a tear, my son. There's a sacred heart that beats for you alone." Man, it made me tear up just typing it. 

If you didn't know it already, I love my boy. I am proud of the man he is becoming. Happy birthday, Lucas.

Enjoy, 

Christopher

Week 8...

I have a big family. I usually have a little one tugging on my hand or my wife close by. Time away from them is few and far between. You'll hear no complaints from me about that. When I am away, I'm usually too busy with the details of my trip to be homesick. Late last year, I was asked to play a conference at a YMCA camp in King, NC. I was scheduled to play a morning and an evening session. The time in between was the first time in a long while that I had absolutely nothing to do. I got to be quiet and reflect on the many blessings in my life. I walked out into a grassy field set beneath a mountain and just breathed in and out for a bit. Just breathed. I soaked in the scenery and picked up my guitar. 15 minutes later, this song had appeared.

A lot of my songs happen this way. It starts with a melody, then a word or two, and then it's finished. I don't set out to write anything specific. The pieces just come. They are like puzzles that I don't make. I just get to put them together. It is in those moments that I know God is there, speaking to me, loving on me, leading me through. It is a heavenly experience. It fills me up!

This week's offering is a love song. Not in the traditional sense, where one pours himself out to express his desires. It is not about the things I've done to win my dearest one's devotion. It is not about anything that my feeble emotions have to offer.  

This is a song about a love that has overcome my heart. It continues to do so on a daily - no, an hourly basis. I see it when I look at my beautiful wife and children. I feel it when I look at the sunset and the stars. I hear it in the loudest melodies and in the quiet of the night. The love I am talking about is God's love. Now, I'm not trying to get all religious. But when you're in love, you have to talk about it, right? If I've stepped on any toes, feel free to pretend that this post never happened. This song will just be about an earthly love that has won over this hopeless romantic.

I don't think I am special; not in the least. But when I think about how big God is... And all the works of His creation... And the intricacies around and within me... The way He tells me that I'm not just worthless flesh and blood that moves from dust to dust... And the way that He loves me... And the things He's done to free my soul from the bonds of this earth... And that the Creator of all specifically made and fancies me!? Goodness!

Enjoy,

Christopher

     Recorded from 10:30 pm-2 am, February 20-21, 2012. I really should stop procrastinating. That way I could get to sleep earlier. My buddy Chris Lee (Twitter or Tumblr) made a video for Ridge Church's Easter service. Take a look!


Lyrics

Your Ocean

Did you know you are my favorite thing in the world? Did you know that I cannot control my love for you? It's about to overflow like a river drenched by the waters, oh, flowing from your fountain. Caught in the current, causing landslides, coming down your mountain. I reach out for help but all that I can feel is the movement in your motion. You've swept me off my feet and I'm washed away, into your ocean of love. Did you know there's not a single thing that I need? Did you know my heart is filled with love and it's oh so pleased in you. It's about to overflow like a river drenched by the waters, oh, flowing from your fountain. Caught in the current, causing landslides, moving down your mountain. I call out for help but all that I can hear is the song of your devotion. You sang my heart afloat and I sail away, into your ocean of love.

Week 7...

I hate Valentine's day. There, I said it. I don't like being forced to do something like show my love. I try really hard to do that all of the time. This makes me a bad husband come February 14. 

So here is my PUBLIC APOLOGY for being too proud to celebrate V-day (I'm sorry, Rach,) and my PUBLIC PROFESSION OF ADORATION of my... (deep breath) VALENTINE! 

I love my wife more than life itself. She is the best thing that has ever happened to me. She put me back together. She picked up my pieces and made me into something. She is beautiful from head to toe; inside and out. She is the best mom around. She's the best friend I've ever had. I like her so much, I painted our bedroom hot magenta or pink or whatnot. She is the reason I continue to take in breath here on earth. I could not go on without her. She is my love song, my dove, my dearest one, my beloved. I will shout it from the mountain tops and deep within the valleys. I love her so much, even though we are married, I still propose to her in public places on a regular basis. She makes me laugh and cry in the best way. She is the greatest part of me, by far. 

Alas, she is upstairs asleep. She went to bed sad. I am kicking myself in the rear for that. But, this is her Valentine's day present. It's a song I wrote for her a little while back. Well, I actually wrote it for my kids, but it's all about her. It's called Lucky Man. 

Enjoy, 

Christopher

     Recorded Late in the evening on February 13, 2012, until my voice died. I finished tracking them on Valentine's day. Isn't that convenient!? 

Lyrics

Have I ever told you the story

About the girl who took control of my heart

From the moment our eyes connected

I knew we would never be apart

I love the way that she dances

I love the way she smiles and sings her songs

And oh the way she romances me

I cannot help it but to sing along

Oh I could go on and on 

About the the way she makes me feel

She is my sweet little baby girl

And she alone only rules my world 

Day and night she is my sweetest friend

All is right when she hold my hand

I'm a lucky man

Have I ever told you the story

About the woman who became my wife

What if I told you that you know her

What if I told you that she gave you life

On and on she gives her best 

And floods our hearts with so much love

She is my sweet little baby girl

And she alone only rules my world 

Day and night she is my sweetest friend

All is right when she hold my hand

I'm a lucky man

On and on this love, it grows

Overtaking everything we know

She is my sweet little honey child

She makes me smile and she blows my mind

I can't believe what I have come to see

Your momma's love has made a man of me

She is my sweet little baby girl

And she alone only rules my world 

Day and night she is my sweetest friend

All is right when she hold my hand

I'm a lucky man

Week 6...

This week, I recorded a song that gives you a sneak peek into our everyday life. I am the Music Programming Director at Ridge Church, here in Charlotte. Basically, I get paid to do what I love... Make music. I might have a meeting or two during the week, but most of my time is spent at home. 

My job allows me to be Mr. Mom. I love it. I have five kids ranging from eleven years to ten months. They are all unique. They are all beautiful. I promise, I'm not biased at all. They are all honestly gorgeous. They bring me so much joy. There is nothing better than watching my two older boys interact with their little brother and twin sisters. It gives me a glimpse of the fathers they will become. My two year old, Ames Emmanuel, is normally the center of attention. He loves music, Yo Gabba Gabba and tackling. He already has amazing comedic timing. Anytime I am playing guitar, he lets out an "OHH," then sprints to find his "toowar," (which is a foam pirate's scimitar sword.) He strums, sings and dances. Sometimes he fingerpicks and plays it behind his head. When the song is over, he places said guitar on one of my guitar stands. It is priceless.

Needless to say, there is always a melody floating around our house. If it is not blasting through speakers, it's being sung. I sing while cooking, bathing, changing diapers, getting the mail, brushing my teeth... The list goes on. Ames and I like to sing together; Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, the ABC song, anything from DJ Lancerock. So, yeah, I thought I would record our version of You Are My Sunshine for the whole world to hear.  

Enjoy, 

Christopher




     Recorded between 10:30pm and 2am on February 6-7, 2012. Why did I stay up so late? 
     "You Are My Sunshine," written by Oliver Hood.

My Dear One's Birthday

Today is my love's birthday. I am very thankful she was born. She is quite possibly the most amazing woman in the world. She's intelligent, hard working, witty and beautiful. She is a wonderful mother to our five children. We have had a rewarding journey so far. I am excited to see what the next thousand miles will bring. All that I know is, when all else fails, she is there to walk beside. Hand in hand. That is really all that I need.    

I wrote a song about her. Well, I've written lots of songs about her, but there is one in particular... We Belong Together. I'd like to share it with you (it's free,) in her honor. Happy Birthday, Rachael Rebecca Brown Kincaid!

Enjoy,

Christopher